Togo national football team are entering a new phase of reconstruction under newly appointed head coach Patrice Neveu, as the West African side look to revive their fortunes and climb the FIFA rankings.
The Hawks currently sit 121st in the world, according to the latest FIFA rankings published on 1 April 2026, marking a modest rise of three places. While the improvement is slight, it comes during a period of transition aimed at long-term stability and competitiveness.
Neveu, appointed in February 2026, brings significant experience in African football, having previously managed national teams including Niger, Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mauritania and Gabon.
His arrival is being seen locally as the beginning of a structured rebuilding process.
Since taking charge, the French coach has already overseen two friendly matches held in Morocco, facing Guinea on 27 March and Niger on 31 March. These early fixtures have been used to assess the squad and introduce his tactical ideas.
Speaking about his mission, Neveu set out a clear long-term objective for the team.
“The goal is to qualify the Sparrowhawks for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and to build a competitive team for the long term.”
The message reflects the broader direction of the project, which is focused not only on immediate results but also on sustainable progress ahead of upcoming qualification campaigns.
Despite recent struggles, Togo still possess experienced players who remain central to the squad’s ambitions. Among them are Ihlas Bebou, who plays in Germany with Hoffenheim, and captain Djené Dakonam, currently at Getafe in Spain.
Djené, who has earned more than 84 international caps, continues to provide leadership and stability within a group undergoing transition.
His presence is viewed as crucial in guiding younger players through a demanding qualification period.
Togo have been drawn into a challenging qualifying group for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, where they will face Algeria, Zambia and Burundi.
The group is widely regarded as one of the more competitive sections, meaning consistency and discipline will be key if the Sparrowhawks are to secure qualification.
Alongside AFCON qualification, Togo are also continuing their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
These overlapping competitions will test the depth and resilience of the squad as Neveu seeks to build momentum.
The early signs of his tenure suggest a focus on organisation, tactical structure and integrating experienced players with emerging talent. However, the task ahead remains significant given the level of opposition in both qualification campaigns.
